Stencil screen frame



April 29, 1953 w. H. BROWNLEE 2,832,285

STENCIL SCREEN FRAME Filed Nov. 28, 1955 United States Patent p STENCHL SCREEN FRAME Wayne H. Brownies, Tipp City, Ohio, assignor to Kurz- Kasch, Inc, Dayton, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application November 28, 1955, Serial No, 549,413

13 Claims. (Cl. 101-1271) This invention relates to new and improved frame apparatus for holding silk screens in the practice of the silk screen printing process.

Various types of frame devices for use in silk screen printing have been presented in the prior art. They usually require considerable expenditure of time and money in their fabrication and maintenance, and do not stand up very well under conditions of normal usage. Most of them are subject to deterioration within a relatively short period of time due, for example, to the damaging effects of the printing ink employed in the silk screen process. Due to the absence of a satisfactory inexpensive durable silk screen frame, in present day practice wooden silk screen frames are generally employed. These frames are subject to deterioration from the accumulation of printing ink thereon, and to warping, and they are easily damaged in normal usage. This is a costly proposition since it necessitates continuous replacement of frames. Another problem presented in the use of the prior art frames is that it is generally necessary to have a separate frame available for each size that may be required in the practice of the silk screen printing process. Accordingly, it becomes apparent that a large inventory of frames is usually required in the practice of silk screen printing.

The present invention is the result of a determined effort to eliminate the problems so evident in the use of the prior art stencil or silk screen frames. The invention provides molded plastic frame elements which may be identically constructed in various sizes so that from a relatively small group of these improved elements a selected frame of any desired size may be quickly assembled in a minimum of time and with a minimum of effort. The plastic frame so provided is resistant to deterioration. It is not subject to attack by printing ink and any amount of ink accumulation thereon can be quickly and easily removed. And the frame is primarily inexpensive, yet it is extremely durable under normal usage. It eliminates the need for large inventories of frames of different sizes since by having an appropriate number of individual sized frame elements as proposed by the invention a large variety of frame sizes can be quickly assembled therefrom. Substantial inventory cost can be saved thereby while frame storage space requirements are minimized. These are some of the features of the invention as presented.

The object of the invention is to simplify the construction as well as the means and mode of operation of silk screen frames, whereby such frames may not only be economically manufactured, but will be more efficient and satisfactory in use, adaptable to a wide variety of applications, and be unlikely to get out of repair.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved durable and relatively inexpensive silk screen frame of plastic which is resistant to printing ink and damage therefrom and which can easily and quickly be assembled and disassembled on demand.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new and novel silk screen frame element of plastic which may be identically constructed in a variety of sizes and including interlocking portions whereby any size frame required may be effected in a matter of seconds, if necessary.

An additional object of the invention is to provide novel molded silk screen frame apparatus of plastic which provides means for quick and easy assembly and disassembly and modification thereof on demand, and enables substantial reduction of frame inventory costs and minimizes frame storage space requirements.

A further object of the invention is to provide a silk screen frame possessing the advantageous structural features, the inherent meritorious characteristics and the mode of operation herein mentioned.

With the above primary and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the accompanying drawing, wherein is shown one but obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of an improved silk screen frame provided in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a top view of the novel frame element provided by the invention;

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the element as shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the frame element as taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. Sis a fragmentary view showing a modification of the invention as shown in Fig. I;

Fig. 5a is a fragmentary view showing one of the mating end portions of the frame elements as shown in Fig. 5; and

Fig. 5b is a fragmentary view showing the other of the mating end portions of the elements as shown in Fig. 5.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

The invention can best be described with reference to the drawings. The improved silk screen or stencil frame as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings is composed of interengaging plastic elements 1. Noting Fig. 4 of the drawings, each element 1 in cross-section comprises an inner vertical wall portion 2. Downwardly spaced from the top thereof, the external surface of the wall portion 2 is diverted outwardly at substantially a forty-five degree angle to the vertical of the wall portion, providing in cross-section a substantially triangular integral addition 3 to the wall portion 2. A seating flange 4 is coextensive with the projecting addition 3 and extends horizontally therefrom at a point spaced slightly from the base 5 thereof as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The base 5 of the wall portion 2 has a cord recess 6 therein extending longitudinally thereof. The extremities of the wall portion 2 and the flange 4 integral therewith diverge at a forty-five degree angle and the continuation of the wall portion2 thereby provides vertical mating end plates 7 and 8 integrally connected therewith at the respective ends thereof. At one end of the wall portion 2 the connecting plate 7 is provided in the mating surface thereof, with vertically arranged triangular notches 9. And at the other end of wall portion 2 the plate 8 has in the external mating surface thereof corresponding triangular projections 10 extending vertically thereof in a corresponding location. Each of the plates 7 and 8 also have in their external mating surfaces a matching vertical groove 11 in alignment with, and opening into, the extremities of the recess 6 in the base 5 Patented Apr. 29, 1958 assaass To form the silk screen frame in accordance with the invention as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, four elements 1 are employed in matched pairs arranged parallel and connected at their extremities to effect a rectangular configuration. As can be seen from the drawings, on bringing the elements 1 together the end plates 7 and 8 of the respective elements 1 are oppositely disposed. Accordingly, since the opposite end plates are formed to be of a cooperative nature, they quickly and easily mate. The notches 9 in each of the end plates 7 receive the matching projections 10 from the opposed end plates 8. The bolt holes in the mating plates 7 and 8 are aligned thereby. Bolts B are engaged through the aligned bolt holes and nuts are applied to lock the elements 1 together to provide a rectangular silk screen frame in a simple quick fashion. In the assembly of the elements 1, the vertical grooves 11 in the abutting and cooperating end plates 7 and d align to form vertical apertures through the frame at the corners thereof which extend into the junctures of the recesses 6 on the underside of the elements 1.

In this fashion the improved plastic silk screen frame is precisely and quickly assembled, with only four bolts and nuts required. In use, the rectangular groove in the base of the frame as provided by the continuous recesses 6 receives a Waxed cord which engages the perimeter of the silk screen as applied to the frame to hold and properly tension the screen in its mounting to the frame. The flange elements 4 by their spaced arrangement provide seating and clamping flanges for the frame 1n use.

By having a selection of sizes of the elements 1 which are identically formed, any size frame may be quickly provided by assembly of selected elements as described. The versatility and economy of application of the novel silk screen frame element is believed readily apparent to those versed in the art of silk screen printing. The provision of apertures at the four corners of the frame by vertical grooves 11 introduces means whereby when it is desired to remove a screen from the frame, a pick or similar tool may be thrust therethrough into the recesses 6 to dislodge the waxed cord therein which holds the screen fixed to the frame. Thus, the screen may be easily and quickly removed without difiiculty or damage resulting. The frame elements may be quickly disassembled to be dipped or wiped clean of the printing ink in a matter of seconds due to the employment of the plastic material and the nature of their fabrication. Furthermore, the storage problem is reduced to a minimum.

The identical nature of the novel frame elements insures accuracy and strength in fabrication of the improved frame. The use of plastic material insures durability and wear resistance. The device is relatively simple and inexpensive both primarily and in use. Thus, a distinct advance in the art of silk screen frames for use in silk screen printing is obtained thereby.

Figs. 5, a and 5b of the drawings show a modification of the element 1 that may be employed in accordance with the invention. In this instance modified end plates 7' and 3' are shown. The one end plate 7' has notches 9 in the outer mating surface thereof which are comparable to notches 9 in the end plate 7. And the plate 8' has projections similar to the projections 10 for cooperative instant alignment of the elements 1 on assembly. However, in this instance, the upper surface of vertical plate 7 has an overlying bar extension fixed thereto, the extending portion 15 of which includes an aperture. The mating plate 8 has a mating threaded recess 16 in the upper surface thereof which aligns with the aperture in member 15 on assembly of the elements 1 in end abutting relation to form a frame. The elements are locked together in this instance by a screw 17 projecting through the member 15 on plate 7' into engagement with the plate 8'. Thus, the elements 1 are secured together in firm accurate relation in this modification of the invention by four screws.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A silk screen frame element for use in quick fabrication of frames for silk screen printing comprising a vertical wall member, means providing a seating flange projecting from said vertical wall member in generally horizontal fashion, means providing a cord recess in the base of said wall member and extending longitudinally thereof, integral mating means at the respective ends of said Wall member, and generally aligned matching vertical grooves provided in said mating means and opening respectively into the extremities of said recess within said base whereby a frame of a desired size can be quickly and easily effected from a selected group of said elements by placing the selected elements in continuous end abutting relation.

2. A silk screen frame element for use in quick fabrication of frames for silk screen printing comprising a ertical wall member, flange means integral with said wall member and laterally projecting therefrom, means providing a base for said wall member and including a silk screen cord retention recess therein longitudinally thereof, interengaging means of a cooperative nature respectively integral with said wall member at the respective ends thereof and disposed in angular relation thereto whereby a selected number of said elements in desired sizes may be placed in continuous end to end abutting relation with said angularly disposed interengaging means at the opposite ends of said elements cooperatively mating for a quick easy fabrication of a silk screen frame of a desired size, and a passage defined by mating interengaging means intercommunicating the adjacent ends of cord retention recesses in adjacent frame elements.

3. A silk screen frame element for use in quick easy fabrication of frames for silk screen printing comprising a longitudinally extending vertical wall member of solid plastic, a silk screen cord retention recess longitudinally of said wall member at the base thereof, a lateral seating flange coextensive therewith adjacent its base and molded integrally thereto, one end of said wall member being bent out of the general plane thereof to be angularly disposed relative thereto and having alignment means in the surface thereof,the other end of said wall member being similarly bent out of the general plane thereof and including alignment means of a cooperative nature to said first mentioned alignment means and cooperating cutouts forming apertures communicating with said silk screen cord retention recess, the said ends of said wall member merging with and defining the ends of said flange and merging at their extremities with the outer marginal edge of said flange, and means at the base of said wall member providing whereby on provision of the molded elements in a number of sizes, a frame of any desired size can be quickly and easily effected by placing selected elements in end to end abutting relation with the alignment means at the respective opposed ends of said elements cooperatively interengaging by relative horizontal movement of said elements to effect a firm, ac-

curate, easily assembled silk screen frame which is resistant to damage from the printing ink applied in the printing process.

4. A silk screen frame element for use in quick fabrication of frames for silk screen printing comprising an elongated vertical wall member molded of plastic, a flange element molded thereto coextensive therewith adjacent its base and extending laterally from one side thereof,

means integral with said wall member and providing stabilizing means therefor, means providing a silk screen cord retention recess longitudinally of said wall member at the base thereof, end plates integral with each end of said Wall member and angularly diverted from the general plane thereof, said end plates merging with and defining the ends of said flange element and merging at their extremities with the outer marginal edge of said flange element, notches in selected portions of one of said end plates, mating projections in the same selected portions of the other of said end plates, :and means providing passages in said wall memberin communication with the cord recess therein whereby a frame of any desired size can be quickly and easily effected by placing selected elements into end to end abutting relation with the plates at the respective opposed ends of said elements cooperatively engaging to effect a firm, accurate easily disassembled silk screen frame, said mating means in the end abutting relation of said elements providing means for quick clamping of the frame elements together.

5. The structure as set forth in claim 4, characterized by means providing vertical grooves cooperatively located in said respective end plates and so arranged to open into the respective extremities of the retention recess whereby on placing the elements in end to end abutting relation and mating of said end plates, the vertical grooves in opposed end plates cooperate, providing vertical apertures through the junctures of the cord recesses of the abutting elements whereby a silk screen may be quickly and easily freed from the frame so formed without damage thereto.

6. A silk screen frame element for use in quick easy fabrication of frames for silk screen printing comprising a longitudinally extending vertical wall member molded of plastic, a lateral flange coextensive therewith to one side thereof and molded integrally therewith, one end of said vertical Wall member being diverted out of the general plane thereof at substantially a forty-five degree angle and including male alignment means molded on the other side thereof, the other end of said wall member being similarly diverted out of the general plane thereof and including female molded alignment means of 'a cooperative nature to said first mentioned alignment means on said other side of the wall member, means providing an extended base for said wall member molded integral therewith and having means providing a silk screen cord retention recess therein, said other side of each of said ends of the Wall member being molded to provide identical matching grooves therein opening into said cord retention recess respectively at the extremities thereof so that on provision of a number of the said elements in a number of sizes, a frame of any desired nature can be quickly and easily effected by placing selected elements in continuous end to end abutting relation and quick assembly and disassembly means for application of a silk screen thereto is provided thereby.

7. A silk screen frame comprising matched pairs of oppositely parallel disposed molded frame elements arranged in continuous relation, said elements at their abutting ends each having cooperative engaging means respectively integrally molded thereto providing quick alignment means thereby in the assembly of said frame, base means molded integral with each of said elements providing seating flange means externally of said frame, silk screen cord retention means molded into the base of each of said elements so that a continuous retention means is provided about the base of said frame, and cooperative mating means on the respective opposed ends of the abutting elements providing apertures vertically of the frame extending into said silk screen cord retention means at selected points whereby on assembly of the screen to the frame and said retention means, by thrusting of a pick or the like through said apertures, the screen can be quickly and easily disassembled without damage to the screen or the frame.

8. A silk screen frame comprising matched pairs of oppositely parallel disposed frame elements of an elongated nature arranged in continuous abutting end to end relation, male and female alignment means of a cooperative nature respectively molded into opposed ends of said elements, releasable clamping means connecting the abutting ends of said elements, each of said elements having an identical coextensive recess therein providing a continuous recess about said frame, and means providing apertures through said frame at the abutting ends of said elements, said apertures being arranged to open into said continuous recess at selected points whereby a silk screen cord may be retained in said recess on application of a silk screen to the frame and quickly disassembled without damage resulting merely by inserting of a pick or the like through said apertures and dislodging the silk screen cord thereby.

9. A silk screen frame comprising frame elements of molded plastic and of a generally elongated nature arranged in continuous end to end abutting relation, similarly angled end plates molded to each of said elements and providing alignment means thereby for insuring accurate connection of the abutting elements, aligned apertures provided in said end plates, clamping means releasably engaging said abutting end plates through said apertures, a seating flange molded to each of said elements and extending peripherally of the frame, matching grooves molded into each of said abutting end plates providing apertures through the frame at the junctures of said elements, and silk screen cord retention means molded into each of said elements and extending between the apertures provided at the junctures of said elements whereby a silk screen frame is effected which provides for quick assembly and disassembly of the elements thereof, said elements being impervious to damage from the ink used in the silk screen printing process.

10. The structure as set forth in claim 9, wherein each of said end plates is an extension of said element to which it is molded and is diverted at substantially a forty-five degree angle thereto so that a rectangular frame is positively insured on assembly of the elements.

ll. The structure as set forth in claim 9, wherein one of said aligned apertures in one of the abutting end plates is provided in the upper surface thereof, and a bar member connected to the upper surface of the other of said abutting end plates and provided with the other of said apertures therethrou-gh, the clamping of said end plates being effected by screw means engaging the means providing the aligned apertures to provide a firm accurate silk screen frame thereby.

12. A silk screen element for use in quick fabrication of frames for si-lk screen printing comprising, an elongated vertical wall member molded of plastic, a flange element molded thereto coextensive therewith and extending laterally from one side thereof, means integral with said wall member and providing a stabilizing base therefor, means providing a silk screen cord retention recess longitudinally of said base, end plates integral with each end of said wall member and similarly diverted from the gem eral plane thereof, notches in selected portions of one of said end plates, mating projections in the same se lected portions of the other of said end plates, and mating means provided in said end plates whereby a frame of any desired size can be quickly and easily effected by placing selected elements into end to end abutting relation with the plates at the respective opposed ends of said elements cooperatively engaging to elfect a firm accurate easily disassembled silk screen frame, said mating means in the end abutting relation of said elements providing means for quick clamping of the frame elements together, and means providing vertical grooves co-operatively located in said respective end plates and so arranged to open into the respective extremities of the retention recess whereby on placing the elements in end to end abutting relation and mating said end plates, the vertical grooves in the opposed end plates co-operate pro viding vertical apertures through the junctures of the cord recesses of the abutting elements whereby a silk screen may be quickly and easily freed from the frame so formed without damage thereto.

13. A silk screen frame element for use in quick fabrication of frames for silk screen printing comprising, a vertical Wall member, means providing a cord recess in the base of said wall member and extending longitudinally thereof, mating means at the respective ends of said wall member and means providing vertically disposed passages in said wall member opening into said recess g within the base of said wall member whereby a frame of desired size can be quickly and easily efiected from a selected group of said elements by placing the selected elements in continuous end abutting relation, said vertical passages enabling a silk screen to be quickly and easily freed from the frame so formed without damage thereto.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 108,760 Clements Nov. 1, 1870 275,226 Lelm Apr. 3, 1883 543,562 Rafter July 30, 1895 1,283,750 Hay et a1. Nov. 5, 1918 2,545,277 Hannah etal. Mar. 13, 1951 2,565,218 Freeborn Aug. 21, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Sweden June 2, 1916 

